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Oak Park approves $925,916 fire engine to replace 1997 apparatus
Summary
The council approved purchase of a new Sutphen fire engine after public safety officials described major mechanical failures in a 1997 engine and cited NFPA service‑life recommendations; financing spreads payments over five years.
The Oak Park City Council on June 15 authorized purchase of a Sutphen fire engine for $925,916.50, agreeing with public safety staff that the city's 1997 Engine 544 has exceeded recommended service life and requires replacement.
Director of Public Safety Steve Cooper told the council Engine 544 has had major mechanical failures, including transmission and transfer‑case damage, an inoperable exhaust brake, and internal corrosion in hundreds of feet of water‑distribution piping. Cooper said partial repairs would exceed an estimated $70,000 and might not restore long‑term reliability.
"As the oldest fire truck in the city's fire apparatus fleet, Engine 544 should be replaced immediately," Cooper said, citing National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidance that apparatus be removed from frontline service after about 15 years and retired after 25 years.
Staff recommended and council approved buying the Sutphen engine through the cooperative Sourcewell contract to use competitively established cooperative pricing. The city budgeted $204,262.58 in the 2026–27 fiscal year toward the purchase; the remaining balance will be financed across the following four years. Council members emphasized the safety risks of continued frontline use of aged apparatus and voted unanimously to approve the purchase.
Cooper said the expected delivery window is 17–19 months but cautioned that manufacturing lead times can vary; the department will perform targeted repairs to keep the current truck operable while the new apparatus is built. Councilmembers asked about vehicle disposal; staff said any sale of the old truck is likely to bring minimal proceeds.
The purchase is intended to ensure reliable frontline firefighting capability and to reduce mechanical and operational risk associated with an aging fleet.
